Pocumtuck Rock via Pocumtuck Ridge Trail

Pocumtuck Rock via Pocumtuck Ridge Trail in Deerfield, Massachusetts is a moderate 5.6-mile out-and-back hike that features several panoramic views high above the Deerfield River of the town of Deerfield, Mt. Tom, and the mountains in southern Vermont.

Hiking to Pocumtuck Rock

This hike begins at the southern end of the Deerfield Ridge. The trailhead sits at the very end of Ridge Road -- located off of Stage Road. The blue blazes of the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail leads due-north as you hike through the ridge's forest. The trail ascends almost the entire way toward the summit of Pocumtuck Rock, but the elevation gain is fairly low around ~160-feet per mile. There are several "steeper" sections of trail, but they don't last very long and would only be considered moderate at worst, hence the hike's "moderate" difficulty. The hike along the ridge doesn't provide much for hikers to explore until the power line views. The trail does cut through several groves of eastern hemlock trees which, during the winter, provided some color amongst the cold and snow.

Power Line Views - Mile 1.35

Around mile 1.35, hikers will reach an east and west view from the Deerfield Ridge from the power lines. Here, you'll find rolling hills to the east and the Deerfield River to the west.

Deerfield River Overlook - Mile 1.9

After exploring the power line views, the trail continues onward slowly ascending before reaching another view around mile 1.9. This west-facing view sits high above the Deerfield River with the town of Deerfield located just north of here. The views include rolling hills to the west and, as of December 2024, included a picnic table. The river is best seen when the leaves are off of the trees at this overlook.

Pocumtuck Rock Overlook - Mile 2.8

The hike continues up toward the summit of Pocumtuck Rock as the trail slowly ascends the ridge's highest points before following a mostly-flat grade north. Hikers will reach a left-hand turn around mile 2.7, where you'll find several radio transmission structures. This left-hand turn leads along a small loop with Pocumtuck Rock and its overlook located in the northwest corner. Here, around mile 2.8, you'll find Pocumtuck Rock and the sweeping views high above Deerfield and the Deerfield River. During the winter, you can even see Mount Snow and its south-facing ski slopes. The cliff at Pocumtuck Rock is very steep and tall with sheer drop-offs, so watch your step. Once done exploring the views at Pocumtuck Rock, this route leads the hiker around the loop to head due-south along the trail back to parking.

Pocumtuck Rock to Parking - Mile 2.8 to 5.6

The hike back is simple -- just head back down the same trail you hiked-in on. The ~2.8-mile hike back to parking is not difficult since it's almost all downhill walking. You can explore the views once more if you wish, but aside from the views, there's not much else to explore on the way back. Eventually you'll reach parking for a relatively easy 5.6-mile out-and-back hike.

Parking

Hikers will find a small parking lot at the coordinates provided, located at the very end of Ridge Road in Deerfield, MA. The parking lot can fit about 5 vehicles max as of December 2024. Do not park in private driveways of nearby residents but rather park in the dirt lot just before the trailhead gate. Do not block the gate or park near the gate as it's a fire lane.

Private Property

Please note that the trail runs through private property in many sections but public access is granted. Always respect the land owners and stay on-trail at all times unless you're within the boundaries of public land space (i.e. the official state parks that allow access).